[One Thousand Characters a Day] Joseon's Crisis Response Notes<1> - Sejong's Talent Management

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides daily 1,000-character transcription content for the 'One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Day One Thousand Characters' newsletter readers. The transcription content is carefully selected according to daily and monthly themes from Eastern and Western classics, Korean literature, notable columns, and famous speeches. Starting today, we introduce by Dr. Kim Juntae (Senior Researcher at the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture, Sungkyunkwan University) in three installments. The book analyzes how Joseon Dynasty kings responded to and overcame numerous disasters, crises, and major civilizational shifts, focusing on their historical and decisive choices. Character count: 1019.

Statue of King Sejong installed at Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

"Which king would not want to find and appoint excellent talents? Yet there are three cases where this cannot happen. First, the king lacks the eye to recognize talent. Second, the king does not earnestly seek talent. Third, the intentions of the king and the talent do not align." (Kang Huimaeng, 'Sasukjaejip')

All organizations engaged in management value talent. No matter how outstanding a leader is, they cannot handle all tasks alone. Personnel with expertise are needed to directly manage or assist in management. The fate of an organization is determined by how many talents of what level are secured and how much ability those talents demonstrate.

However, even if one understands this intellectually, it is difficult to put into practice. The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty contain over 1,000 entries emphasizing the importance of talent, but not every era managed talent well. It was common for talents to be overlooked and wasted, and even when appointed, many failed to demonstrate their abilities. Numerous talents met tragic deaths caught in political strife.

However, the era of King Sejong was different. "In governance, obtaining talent is the most urgent task; if officials suitable for their duties are selected, all affairs will be well managed." ('Annals of King Sejong')

To carry out national projects, resources must be prepared, and relevant regulations and systems established, but above all, capable people are needed to plan, execute, and realize the work excellently. The question is who those talents are and where to find them. Sejong said, "Talents have always existed, but they are not used because they are unknown." Confucius once said, "Even in a small village of ten households, there is surely someone loyal and trustworthy." Sejong cited this, saying, "Why worry that there are no people in the country? Rather, one must carefully consider whether one has sincerely sought and cautiously recommended them." Before complaining about the lack of talent, one should first reflect on whether they have genuinely and earnestly sought good talents.

- Kim Juntae, (Minumsa, 16,000 KRW)